The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1887-03-19

9reat waves rolled up from the southwest
and we plunged fearfully into the sea. We
had only jib on her, and two rccfs In tho
were taken in.
Nevertheless We plunged on TO windward,
for the Captain did not dare to turn now
and "scud." We tackled and tackled, beat
ing on until the sun went down, and VIC did
not seem to bc much nearer Weymouth or
Portland Roads, for which we were aiming.
From Portland Island the great Chcsil
Beach, knew, and so did all the sailors,
extended right away to Bridgeport, where
the mighty Portland stones have dwindled
through all shapes and sizes Of pebbles to
sand and gravcl and the biggest always
the highest up the bank.
The Captain, or sailing-mastcr, was brave
enough, but anxious; the crew wore steady;
tho gentlemen on board were serious; the
ladies very i'll and quite careless Of danger.
The little heir was fast asleep in my arms,
and as we heelcd over and listened to the
slapping and dashing Of the waves outside,
and the rush Of water across the deck, 1
prayed earnestly and wondered whether wc
should ever see Cardewe manor again.
III.
1t was evening and we were past Portland
Bill. The Captain said we must go about
way up. Tho wind WINS dead on shore The
WIVES beat high upon the Chesil bank, and
II could do some fine writing could tell
you about the curling tops Of tho masses Of
water which poured on the shingle. But
that was nothing to the next days sea.
That shall never forget
The Firefly had been sighted and con-
siderable anxiety had been expressed con-
corning her. Little did think that among
the people who were watching us were
Charley and Captain Armstrong, in fear for
the result Charley told me nfterward that
the Captain was rs cool as ever, and ap-
parcntly afraid of getting wet; so he hired
cab and drove down through Weymouth
to the island, leaving Mr.. and Mrs. Martyn-
Henry at the hotel to receive the party II
they ran alongside the pier safely.
The evening was deepening into blus-
tering and stormy night as Charley and
Captain Armstrong drove to Portland, and
our yacht was driving on. We wero still
below, when the easier motion Of our yacht,
consequent on our vunning before the wind,
induced us to go on deck. Behind us was n
limitless, tumbling sea, dark clouds and
rain; in front the Chesil bank, tho island
with its guarries and its prisoners, and the
smooth water OF the roads beyond. In an
hour or so we should DO riding alongside
the pier or in the hurbor or pulling ashore
to catch the train heme. So We saidi
But how is this. We arc not going for
the harbor direct! Yes, we nrc-whnt is
that behind us'--a roar, then q fash, and
another roar. Blow, blow, good wind, ere
the storm ovcrtakes us. or we shall fare
badly. Flap! flap! The wind has suddenly
failed us. "Wc are In the very center Of q
little cyclone!" SO said the Captain.
ssBear hand, mon; we shall be taken
abscll in minuter' shouted the master,
rushing to the tiller. "FuA, all-up with
her--leave the jib alone, clew up tho mnin-
sail, smart!"
No time to lose. Flnp Boom comes the
wind from the northeast with rush. The
Fireny heels over like toy, the jib strains.
Cup with tho helm" Tho canvas splits
with fearful, rending, ripping report, and
tho yacht drives down upon Portland.
'sSteady, mon! All hands out Of the
dinghy! Remember the women and the
child! Bend the forcsail. Let her run!''
roared the master. The yacht paid OF and,
turning her back on tho sea, rushed down
channel-alas! into tidc-cddy. which
sucked her under the rocks Of Portland
Island as the wind veered again.
The soldiers ut the Verne by this time
were crowded upon the cliffs to sec the
"wrcck." Some shouted for ropes, some
for rockets, but neither wore forthcoming.
The yacht drove in, and in five minutes ran
between two rocks, where (the wind having
chopped again to tho southwest) she re-
mained stern to sea-frequently swept by
the waves, and apparently with only few
minutes to live We were screaming and
in the most terrible distress. Lady Par
dock alone said not word. She took her
child from my arms nnd said:
Mrs Farmer, try and save yourself
when the time comes. Jocelyn and will
die together"
Mamma, am very hungry. May have
some tea soonl" whimpered Jocelyn.
The mother kissed him passionately
Tears came into my eyes as remembered
my own children and Charley. Was this
death!
Mr.. Hemphill did all he could to cheer us
ssThey will find rocket and we can rcacf
those rocks there on tho beach. 1t is not Sc
rough hero Us yonder. We are lucky" hi
said.
Lucky! thought. Lucky to die in twt
minutes or less when the yacht begins t.
break up.
Mr.. Cardewe and his wife were standing
hand in hand, pale but firm. They had beer
praying; had prayed, too. Tho light wal
dying out. A black figure was seen upol
the beach. II he could swim out that fift.
yards or so he might bring us some Us
sistance. The master shook his head.
"There's no swimmer in Dorset as will d.
it. It's possible. I've seen men in thu
Pacific swim as bad bits, but there's not te,
men in this country would try it,"
The figure came near and stood by tn
cliff in place opposite the wreck. Thre,
men were behind him on lcdgc-holding
rope-hc intendedto to come out then Hurrah
He plunged from q rock into deep, sceth
| ing water which broke over his head. II
was gone! No! He reappearcd beyond tn
wave; he had gone through 1t and was max
ing progress toward the yacht, steadily
We could not bear to look ut him. 1t scenes
as If he must be dashed to pieces; but h
made his way out, and. after terribl
struggle undcrthe yachts bows, was haule
in, bleeding, dripping. half-nalScd, and wit
strong line around his waist.
A cheer! another; a scream from Lad
Pardock The very last person she Q.
pected to SEQ had done this thrice -gallar
foat-Captain Armstrong, who she ha
hinted was coward. A coward!
There was nc time for compliments. Th
men ashore had gained the beach now, an
had already attached rope to the line. Th
rope was hauled on board basket an
whip were quit .sly attached end the baskt
Travelled across deluged at times by til
waves, but securely. The first person
venture was Mrs Cardcwe. By gcner;
consent she snt first, and was lande
dripping but in safety. Lady Pardock r
fused to 90 without her boy; but Capital
Armstrong said: "Trust himto me. wi
answer for his life with my owng'
Sha smiled NJ him and gaYe him her han.